Earlier in Mike Babcock’s days as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, they were one of the best teams in the league. The Red Wings reached the Western Conference Final in 2007 and made the Stanley Cup Final in each of the following two years, with them securing a championship in 2008.

A lot has changed since then for the Red Wings as some of the key players from that era like Nicklas Lidstrom have retired and the next generation is establishing itself. So it didn’t come as a shock that Detroit couldn’t match up against Boston in the first round, but it did give Babcock an opportunity to get a close look at the Bruins and he was very impressed with what he saw.

“This [Bruins] team that we played today is like we used to be in ’08, ’09, and ’07,” Babcock said, per CSN New England. “They’re a legit contender with a good depth and good experience. I think it’s just overall depth.”

Boston showed off its offensive depth in the five-game first round series against Detroit. Ten different Bruins found the back of the net and only three Boston players — Johnny Boychuk, Brad Marchand, and Gregory Campbell — played in all five contests without recording a point.

On top of that, goaltender Tuukka Rask played like, well, Tuukka Rask.

“Some teams have got a real good team, and their goalie gets you started, gets the opposition started,” Babcock said. “This [Rask] kid doesn’t get you started. Not only does he stop the puck, he plays the puck good, so it’s harder to get in on their D.”

With so many different factors working for the Bruins, they certainly look like they’re poised to have a long playoff run.

Hate the Bruins and always have the utmost respect for Babcock but you have to agree. The way the Bruins play, they are incredibly tough to beat, especially in a 7 game series. The system in which they play and the way they play, plays to their players strengths, and if a player doesnt fit, they have the balls to make a move (Seguin to Dallas). The organization is run right and, like I said, I hate the Bruins, Bergeron is unbelievable. I could care less for Marchand but this team looks scary when they are on their game, which has been every game this playoff season. Their D have really stepped up this year, especially the young guys.

Great assessment by Babcock and congrats to the Bruins.

Hopefully the Penguins can make it far enough to try to to unseat them. (Obviously they need to get past CBJ, which the series really could be over in favor of Colombus, and will have a tough task taking on the Rangers of Philly)

High praise from a kick ass coach and a fine hockey organization. As a Bruins fan, I hope they prove worthy of it and execute on the ice.

blinkyhowe - Apr 27, 2014 at 6:34 PM

Always been a fan of MB. Obviously, he’s one of the best coaches in the NHL. Knows his stuff. Too bad he didn’t have the same opinion when the Wings drafted Jakub Kindl 5 picks before Rask. Or.. Cory Emmerton about 10 picks before Lucic. Not saying the Wings would have won the series but they still might be playing.

Really? If you really want to compare that… Datsyuk was taken as 171st pick. Who did you get that year. Detroit is one of the best at recruiting, if not the best. You can take away a playoff series from us but you can’t act like your organization is better because of it. At least not yet.

c9castine - Apr 28, 2014 at 12:21 PM

its really hard to project the winner this year. bruins seem to have the best chance from the east, but honestly who knows.

montreal is not gonna be a pushover…in fact they have a legit shot at winning that series. san jose is still questionable…maybe have crushed LA games 1-3 but those were two bad losses. chicago looks good but a repeat hasnt happened for 22 years. colorado too young, keumper is not winning a cup lets be honest.

lets just put it this way…im a pens fan and when i put my money down on a playoff pool…i picked boston.